Should we be using more peanuts in pet food?

Peanuts can be found in plenty of dog treats, but the same can't be said for their presence in pet foods.

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While peanut butter is well-established in the pet treat space, peanuts have not gained the same popularity in pet food formulations. | (benjamas11 | Shutterstock.com)
While peanut butter is well-established in the pet treat space, peanuts have not gained the same popularity in pet food formulations. | (benjamas11 | Shutterstock.com)

Peanuts, as in peanut butter, are a beloved treat flavor for dogs. Peanut-butter-flavored treats are all over the place and apparently dogs have a real appetite for the protein-packed nut. But do we know anything about the nutrition of the peanut for our pets? Interestingly, canine and feline research literature regarding peanuts is non-existent. It also has virtually no “bad press.” Treats with peanut butter have been around for decades and it is used in vet clinics and homes to get nervous or reluctant pooches to take their meds. Perhaps we should consider giving it a more mainstream role in pet foods as well.

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